How much funding has MakerBot raised?

MakerBot has raised $13.75M in total funding. Key investors include Jake Lodwick, Adrian Bowyer, The Foundry Group.

Who is the CEO of MakerBot?

Bre Pettis is the CEO of MakerBot. The company was founded in 2009.

Where is MakerBot located?

MakerBot is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.

What funding stage is MakerBot at?

MakerBot is currently at the Acquired stage.

How many employees does MakerBot have?

MakerBot has approximately 51-200 employees.

MakerBot

Name: AM Companies Database
Creator: AMPulse
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

HardwareBrooklyn, New YorkFounded 2009· One of 1702 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse

MakerBot provides user-friendly 3D printing solutions including desktop 3D printers and an online platform (Thingiverse) for 3D models.

CEO / Founder: Bre Pettis
Team Size: 51-200
Stage: Acquired
Total Funding: $13.75M
Latest Round: Acquired
Key Investors: Jake Lodwick, Adrian Bowyer, The Foundry Group

Technology & Products

Key Products

Desktop 3D printers (e.g., Replicator series, METHOD series), MakerBot CloudPrint software, Thingiverse (online platform for 3D models), and educational solutions.

Technological Advantage

Smart Extruder+ technology enhances print reliability and user experience.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Offers reliable, easy-to-use, and innovative 3D printing technology with a strong educational focus and community support.

How They Differentiate

Prioritizes ease of use and robust educational support, differentiating it from competitors focused primarily on customization or lower costs.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Educators, professionals, and hobbyists

Industry Verticals

["Education","Healthcare","Architecture","Engineering","Consumer Products"]

Competitors

Formlabs, 3D Systems, Shapeways, Ultimaker, Tiertime, XYZprinting

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Maintained strong market presence with sustained innovation in educational and professional segments.

Major Milestones

["Launch of Thingiverse (2008)","Development of Smart Extruder+ (2016)","Acquisition by Stratasys (2013)","Commitment of $500K to enhance 3D printing education"]

Notable Customers

Prodrive, Lockheed Martin, Callum, Mattel, North American Lighting, University of Maryland

https://www.makerbot.com

Why this company matters

MakerBot established itself as a leading brand in desktop polymer extrusion (MEX/FDM) by prioritizing ease of use and reliability over industrial complexity. Its Replicator and METHOD series printers serve educators, hobbyists, and professionals who need consistent results without extensive training.

The company's Smart Extruder+ technology improves print reliability by reducing jams and clogs, a common pain point in entry-level FDM printing. MakerBot CloudPrint software enables remote management and file preparation, while Thingiverse remains one of the largest online repositories of user-uploaded 3D models, reinforcing the company's community-driven approach.

MakerBot targets K-12 and university classrooms, engineering firms, and consumer product designers. Notable users include Lockheed Martin, Mattel, and the University of Maryland. The company has committed $500,000 to enhance 3D printing education, and its acquisition by Stratasys in 2013 provided access to broader materials and distribution channels.

Competition includes Ultimaker, Formlabs, and 3D Systems, which offer higher-resolution or more industrial solutions. MakerBot's differentiation lies in its curated ecosystem of hardware, software, and content tailored for non-expert users. The open question is whether the brand can maintain relevance as Stratasys focuses on industrial additive manufacturing and as low-cost competitors improve quality.